Business

Southport Way, a new neighborhood off Robert Ruark Drive in Southport, features a series of cottages ranging from $169,900 to $229,900. Called the Southport Collection, the homes are designed with the look of the old historic charm of Southport with new home appeal.
For decades, Realtors in Southport have realized buyers were in love with the look and charm of old historic Southport cottages. Unfortunately, those old cottages were in short supply and some that were available came with all the problems associated with old houses.

The Brunswick County Home Builders Association had its 2013 installation dinner at The View at Brick Landing in January.
Special guests included Mike Carpenter, NCHBA executive vice president and general counsel; Erik Anderson, 2012 NCHBA president; and Patrick Mann, NCHBA vice president Region I. Members of the Margaret Means family were also in attendance for presentation of a service award bearing her name to a member of the BCHBA.

The symbolic cutting of the ribbon on Jan. 14 completed a five-year project and officially opened the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome & Conference Center.
The chamber’s move from 4841 Long Beach Road was triggered by a notification from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) that the chamber’s office was in the path of a new road construction project that would connect N.C.133 to N.C. 87 near Bethel Church Road.

Ramos recertified in criminal law
Shallotte attorney Michael R. Ramos has been re-certified as a specialist in state and federal criminal law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. He was originally certified in 1997. A specialist must undergo re-certification every five years.
Ramos has practiced law in Brunswick and surrounding counties since 1982, both in state and federal court. His practice is limited to representation of those charged with DWI, drug offense, felonies and misdemeanors of all degrees.

Sheila Sanders of Sunset Beach has announced the launch of her new business as an independent designer with Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, a direct-sales company with a unique twist.
As an independent designer with Origami Owl, Sanders conducts interactive events where she helps guests create one-of-a-kind personalized jewelry that best reflects their style.
Origami Owl was founded by Isabella Weems, a 14-year-old entrepreneur.

Local urologist makes Best Doctors list
John J. Smith III, M.D., a Shallotte-area urologist, has been named to the Best Doctors in North Carolina list.
Smith of Brunswick Urology Partners was selected by his peers to be included in the Best Doctors in America 2013 database.
On an annual basis, Boston-based Best Doctors Inc. surveys physicians, asking them to rate their peers by naming the physician to whom they would refer their loved ones or choose for themselves if they needed care in their own specialty area.

McLamb joins Shallotte Police
Cory McLamb, son of Scott and Lynne McLamb of Ocean Isle Beach, has graduated from basic law enforcement training and has advanced his career working with the Shallotte Police Department.

Is there a business in the Southport-Oak Island area that has provided you with exceptional customer service? A clerk, waiter/waitress, a plumber, electrician, realtor, lawyer or accountant that has gone that extra mile to make sure you have been served? Now is the time to recognize them.

SOIA Chamber gets new coordinator
The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce has named Megan Canny as its new membership sales and events coordinator.
Canny is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a B.A. in communications studies and a minor in psychology.